Upon a day of great significance, King Daśaratha addressed his beloved son Rāma, saying, “Therefore, under the auspicious star Puṣya, you shall receive the office of heir-apparent. For by nature and by your own choices, you have been found virtuous.” Though the king recognized Rāma’s innate righteousness, out of deep affection he offered further guidance: “My son, even though you are virtuous, let me speak for your good. Always maintain humility and keep your senses under control. Abandon the faults that arise from desire and anger; conduct yourself with proper behavior, both in private and in public.” He counseled Rāma to win over all, from ministers onward, and to earn the love of the people, building up great stores in the treasuries and armories. “He who rules the earth with subjects who are devoted and loving,” the king said, “his friends rejoice as the gods do upon obtaining nectar. Therefore, my son, restrain yourself and act accordingly.” Hearing these words, Rāma’s devoted friends, eager to please him, quickly went to Queen Kausalyā and reported the king’s decision. Overjoyed, Kausalyā, foremost among noble women, distributed gold, cows, and various kinds of jewels to those dear to her. After saluting the king, Rāghava mounted his chariot and returned to his splendid home, honored by crowds of people. The citizens, having heard the king’s words, rejoiced as if they had gained a great prize. Taking leave of the king, they returned to their homes, their hearts filled with joy, and worshipped the gods in gratitude. Now, hear how the story continues. After the people had departed, King Daśaratha again consulted with his ministers. Having deliberated, the resolute king made his final decision. He declared, “Tomorrow is the auspicious Puṣya day. Tomorrow, my son Rāma, whose eyes are like lotus petals, will be consecrated as crown prince.” With his mind made up, the king entered his inner chambers and summoned his charioteer, instructing him, “Bring Rāma here again.” The doorkeepers announced to Rāma that he was being summoned once more. Hearing this, Rāma felt a sense of apprehension. Quickly admitted, he addressed the messenger, “Tell me in full the reason for your coming.” The charioteer replied, “The king wishes to see you. After hearing this, you may go or not, as you see fit.” Upon hearing these words, Rāma, filled with urgency, went again to the royal palace to see his father. Hearing that Rāma had arrived, King Daśaratha, wishing to speak kindly, had him brought into the chamber. As the illustrious Rāghava entered, he saw his father from afar and, with joined palms, bowed down in reverence. The king raised him up, embraced him, offered him a seat, and spoke again to his son. “Rāma, I am old, long-lived, and have enjoyed pleasures as I wished. I have performed hundreds of sacrifices with abundant gifts, as desired. Today, O best of men, you are my incomparable and cherished son, born as I wished. I have given, learned, and achieved what I desired. O hero, I have also experienced happiness and am free of debts to the gods, seers, ancestors, priests, and to myself. I have nothing else to do for you except your consecration. Therefore, whatever I tell you now, you ought to carry out for me. “Today, all the people desire you as their king. Thus, my son, I will consecrate you as the crown prince. Moreover, today, O Rāma, I see ominous dreams; fiery meteors with thunderous sounds are falling down. Astrologers inform me that my star is afflicted by cruel planets—by the Sun, Mars, and Rāhu. Generally, when such omens arise, the king meets death and encounters terrible calamity. Therefore, Rāghava, before my mind becomes confused, you must be consecrated, for the thoughts of living beings are indeed fickle. “Today, the moon has reached Pūrvāṣāḍhā before Puṣya; tomorrow, astrologers will certainly announce the conjunction with Puṣya. Therefore, be consecrated during Puṣya; my mind urges me strongly. Tomorrow, I will consecrate you as crown prince, O scorcher of foes. From today onward, you must spend the night, with self-restraint, together with your wife, lying upon a bed of darbha grass. Your friends, alert, will guard you today on all sides, for undertakings of this kind encounter many obstacles. Since Bharata is away from the city, the time for your consecration has arrived, in my opinion. Indeed, your brother Bharata follows the conduct of the virtuous; he honors his elder, is righteous, compassionate, and has mastered his senses. Yet, I believe the minds of men are unstable; but among the virtuous who are steadfast in righteousness, their actions shine, O Rāghava.” Thus addressed and permitted regarding the consecration to occur the next day, Rāma bowed to his father and departed for his house. Entering his own residence, as ordered by the king, he immediately went out and proceeded to his mother’s inner chambers. There, he saw his mother, humble, dressed in fine linen, silent, and seated in the shrine, praying for his prosperity. Sumitrā and Lakṣmaṇa had already arrived, and Sītā too had been brought, having heard the joyful news of Rāma’s impending consecration.